The Alliance to Mobilize Our Resistance (AMOR) is fundraising for a Providence community member who is currently stuck in Guatemala after being barred from returning to the United States. For the past two years, Ophni Arreaga has been in the process of completing the necessary legal steps to get his green card. In the final step of the process, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala denied his immigrant visa, stranding him thousands of miles away from his family.

Mr. Arreaga was living in the United States for over 14 years before traveling back to Guatemala for his mandatory consular interview at the U.S. Embassy. Prior to leaving at the end of September, he completed all the necessary legal steps. It was expected that, if all went well, he would be returning back home with his marriage-based immigrant visa in mid-October. At the interview, Mr. Arreaga’s immigrant visa was denied due to a recent Department of State policy change regarding potential immigrants considered to be a “public charge.” Mr. Arreaga’s unanticipated, lengthy absence has begun to take a toll on his family.

He and his young family have made Providence their home and now need our support to alleviate some of the financial burden that has risen from their unexpected, prolonged separation. Mr. Arreaga has been separated from his family for almost three months and, although they are working diligently to get him back home, it remains uncertain when, and if, he will be able to return. In the meantime, his wife is left with the responsibility of caring for their three children ages 7, 3, and 1, all on her own.

We are asking for community support to assist the family during Mr. Arreaga’s absence.

The amount provided would go towards the following:
- Application fees paid to USCIS
- Rent support
- Supplementary food funds

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Please share widely with your networks.